Jonathan Kuminga’s Free-Agency Stalemate Amid Lakers, Cavaliers and Other NBA Interest

Former No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, Jonathan Kuminga has not secured a contract for the 2026-27 season. After the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, the forward entered unrestricted free agency. Negotiations with the Los Angeles Lakers have stalled, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the most-frequently mentioned alternative. No deal has been announced.

Sports Illustrated

Kuminga spent four seasons with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds. The Warriors signed him to a two-year deal with a team option, then traded him to the Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis. The Hawks declined the option, and a reported three-year, $75.2 million offer from Golden State was turned down. Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, denied a rumored five-year, $150 million extension.

Heavy

• Career averages: 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 33.2 % three-point shooting.

Heavy

• Hawks’ declined option value: $24.3 million.

Heavy

• Reported Warriors offer (ESPN source): three-year, $75.2 million.

Heavy

• Potential Lakers “prove-it” contract range: $6 million (mid-level) to veteran minimum.

New York Times

The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that “momentum has stalled” between the Lakers and Kuminga, noting the Lakers’ reluctance to sacrifice significant draft capital in a sign-and-trade. League sources link the Cavaliers to Kuminga more often than any other team besides the Lakers.

Cavs and Lakers are ‘connected’ to another free agent small forward

• Contract offer size: ESPN-sourced reports claim a $75.2 million three-year proposal from Golden State, while the agent refuted any $150 million five-year deal.

Heavy

• Trade feasibility: The Lakers have explored a sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt and draft picks, but recent roster moves (signing Matisse Thybulle, acquiring Ziaire Williams) have reportedly reduced their willingness to part with assets. No concrete terms have been confirmed.

Lakers preparing for life after LeBron James one small move at a time

A speculative multi-team trade outlined in a March 4, 2026 analysis proposes the Lakers receiving Kuminga on a four-year, $85.5 million contract, with the Hawks acquiring Myles Turner and future second-round picks. The scenario remains unverified but illustrates the type of package the Hawks might consider.

Heavy

The Lakers continue to prioritize youth and athleticism around Luka Doncic, adding players such as Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and Arthur Kaluma. Their pursuit of Kuminga appears contingent on the free-agent market remaining “tepid” and on the team’s willingness to allocate additional cap space.

Lakers preparing for life after LeBron James one small move at a time

• “Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.” — The Athletic's Dan Woike

Jonathan Kuminga rumor could be good news for 76ers